Jalicia Ross Named To All-Midwest Region Team

MU Sports Information

12/10/2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Marshall University senior Jalicia Ross (Bank Village, Trinidad) was named to the 2008 All-Midwest Region squad as announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), Wednesday. "This is amazing," Ross said. "I am really excited about this accomplishment. It could not have been done without my teammates and coaches."

Ross, a first team All-Conference USA selection, finished sixth in the nation in hitting percentage (.413) which was good enough for second in the league in the category. Ross blasted a team-best 294 kills and earned a team-high 91 total blocks (9 solo, 82 assisted).

"Jalicia is an amazing example of what a determined athlete can achieve," head coach Mitch Jacobs said. "She came here with almost zero volleyball background. Through very hard work, a great attitude and a desire to maximize her God-given athleticism she is now one step from being an All-American."

Ross drilled a career-high 20 kills against UAB on Sept. 28 and registered double-digit kills in 17 matches during the 2008 season. Ross also collected a career-best 11 total blocks (2 solo, 9 assisted) against UCF on Nov. 7, and followed that performance with 10 total blocks (1 solo, 9 assisted) versus Southern Miss on Nov. 9, and on Oct. 17 at UTEP she became the first Marshall player since Nickie Sanlin in 2005 to hit at a staggering .800 clip (16K 0E, 20TA).

"You have to also give her two middles coaches, Maren Witzel and especially Patrick Nicholas," said Jacobs. "A lot of credit in her development. I am so proud that I was able to coach Jay, and share two C-USA championships with her along the way."